By Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA)
The podcast currently has 51 episodes available.
Join us for a dynamic episode of the In Development podcast as we sit down with Chelsea Whitty and Jordan Riemer, two innovative urban planners making significant impacts on Edmonton's urban landscape.
Jordan Riemer is an Urban Planner in Edmonton who specializes in merging equity and land-use considerations into transportation planning. With a background that includes six years at DIALOG, Jordan has been involved in major projects such as the Valley Line West LRT and the Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion Program, showcasing his expertise in solving complex city-building challenges.
Chelsea Whitty is an Associate at DIALOG, where she excels in urban design, sustainable integration, and public engagement. Her portfolio includes significant projects like Kinistinâw Park and the MacEwan University Campus Master Plan, demonstrating her commitment to creating thoughtful and resilient urban environments.
In this episode, we delve into the transformative projects shaping Edmonton's future. Jordan discusses his work on the Valley Line LRT and Edmonton's approach to Sustainable Urban Integration (SUI), emphasizing how innovative transit design can enhance community connectivity and accessibility. Chelsea Whitty shares insights into her projects, focusing on the importance of public engagement and collaborative urban design.
Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in urban planning as Jordan and Chelsea share their experiences and visions for Edmonton's growth. Discover how their collaborative approaches and innovative thinking are driving positive change in the city.
Tune in to learn more about the exciting projects redefining Edmonton's urban landscape and the passionate planners behind them.
Join us for an engaging episode of the In Development podcast as we welcome Puneeta McBryan, CEO of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA). Puneeta stepped into her role in December 2020, navigating the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a leader and connector, she collaborates with government bodies, the private sector, arts and cultural organizations, post-secondary institutions, and social services to foster vibrancy and economic prosperity in Edmonton's downtown. Her efforts have earned her recognition as the Inspired Leader of the Year by IABC Edmonton, one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 by Edify Magazine, and the recipient of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Community Impact Award.
In this episode, Puneeta shares her journey from the field of marketing and communications to leading the EDBA, offering insights into the evolution of downtown Edmonton since her last podcast appearance in April 2022. Listeners can expect to hear about significant changes, including the impact of new projects like Warehouse Park and the High Level Line, and how these developments contribute to downtown’s resilience.
Puneeta delves into the current state of downtown, discussing the flourishing tech industry, the effects of hybrid work models, and the importance of BIAs in enhancing the downtown experience. She also addresses the challenges of residential development, safety concerns, and the ongoing efforts to create a vibrant, inclusive community.
Tune in to learn more about the dynamic landscape of downtown Edmonton, the strategic initiatives of the EDBA, and Puneeta’s vision for the future. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on urban development and community building.
Join us for an insightful discussion on urban development as we connect with Clarence Wong, Vice President at Investec Consulting. Born and raised in Edmonton, Clarence's background includes a BSc in Civil Engineering and a Master of Engineering Degree in Construction Management from the University of Alberta. His 20-year career spans consulting and public service, with experience in Transportation Planning, City Planning, and leading roles in both Provincial and Municipal levels.
In this episode, Clarence shares his journey from working with the City of Edmonton to his current role at Invistec, outlining the differences between the public and private sectors. Listeners can expect to hear about some of the challenges, but also opportunities, that emerge in balancing municipal needs with private development interests. Clarence provides a deep dive into the decision-making processes, highlighting the distinct motivations and objectives that drive each sector.
Edmonton's City Plan comes to the forefront of the discussion as Clarence touches on some of the collaborative efforts required to meet densification goals, such as removing barriers and creating incentives to catalyze infill development. He shares valuable insights into the infrastructure requirements from an engineering perspective, emphasizing the holistic life cycle approach needed to create vibrant communities.
Tune in to learn more about the dynamics of public and private and the role each sector plays in building inclusive, sustainable communities.
Join us for a candid conversation on affordable housing as we sit down with Jonathan Lay, Vice President in Projects for HomeEd. Jonathan brings a wealth of experience from his background in civil engineering to his current role in property management, where he's passionate about crafting communities that thrive.
In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the complexities of affordable housing, clarifying the distinction between affordable housing and housing affordability. We delve into HomeEd's mission of providing near-market housing, offering a blend of market rent and subsidized units to meet the diverse needs of Edmonton's residents.
Discover the faces behind affordable housing as Jonathan shares insights into the demographics of residents, from seniors to single-parent families and new Canadians. Together, we explore the historical trends and challenges in Edmonton's housing landscape and the innovative strategies employed by HomeEd to address these gaps.
From the Affordable Housing Strategy to zoning bylaws and financial support programs, Jonathan highlights the collaborative efforts needed to increase the availability of affordable housing. As we wrap up, Jonathan encourages listeners to educate themselves on affordable housing and advocate for inclusive community development.
In this episode, listeners are invited to explore waste management and innovation with Jordan Denault, a business development manager at Underground Disposal Systems (UDS). Jordan delves into his work in the waste management industry and its intersection with infill development. The conversation spans across waste management practices in Edmonton, encompassing traditional methods and the rise of solutions like underground silos pioneered by UDS. Jordan provides an insightful overview of UDS's role, from design to installation, emphasizing the functionality of their underground bins.
Advantages and challenges of underground waste disposal systems take center stage, alongside examples of their implementation in various locations, from bustling commercial centers like Edmonton's Currents of Windermere to residential neighbourhoods in Sherwood Park and Calgary. The discussion also touches upon evolving trends in waste management, such as endeavours to integrate bins with green spaces. Drawing comparisons to waste management practices in other cities like Calgary and Saskatoon, Jordan sheds light on regulatory hurdles and opportunities for improvement in urban waste management. This episode offers valuable insights into the future of waste management, appealing to those interested in sustainability, urban planning, or technological innovation.
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Jordan Denault is a business development manager at Underground Disposal Systems (UDS), a Western Canadian distributor of underground waste collection systems. He has been with UDS for over 3 years and his focus is helping improve the waste management experience right from working with developer and architect partners through to the end users.
Locally owned and operated, UDS is Western Canada’s first waste disposal company dedicated solely to the sale, installation, and maintenance of semi-underground waste collection systems across Western Canada. UDS prides itself on offering solutions to meet their clients’ needs for more functional and aesthetically pleasing sites.
Today on In Development, we're excited to welcome Simran Malhi, Vice President of IDEA and the dynamic co-founder and CEO of Building Supply Depot. Their vision? To revolutionize the procurement of exterior building supplies, offering a seamless experience for builders, contractors, and developers. Simran shares her journey of identifying a crucial industry gap and crafting a solution that blends the meticulousness of interior design with the practicality of exterior construction. She gives insight into trends in building materials, highlighting resilient products tailored for Alberta's diverse weather conditions while championing sustainability. Join us for an engaging discussion on entrepreneurship, innovation and philanthropy!
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Simran is a trailblazer in the field of building supplies and construction, bringing a fresh and dynamic perspective to an industry traditionally dominated by men. Her journey as an immigrant who hustled her way to success showcases her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Simran embodies leadership and advocacy, inspiring others to challenge the status quo and drive positive change in the building supplies and construction industry.
Her journey with IDEA began when she ventured into infill projects and experienced firsthand the challenges faced by builders. This led her to eagerly join IDEA’s pilot program, where she discovered the association’s invaluable solutions and the power of collective action. Recognizing the need to attract and empower young individuals in these industries, Simran is deeply committed to fostering growth and driving positive change in Edmonton.
As the co-founder and CEO of Building Supply Depot (BSD), she has created the ultimate one-stop shop for all exterior supplies. BSD offers exceptional value, providing everything from excavation materials to lumber, roofing, siding, and stone supplies. By supporting the city’s building projects, BSD actively contributes to the transformation of Edmonton’s architecture Simran’s passion for giving back to society has led her to establish non-profit endeavors that unite people in sponsoring underprivileged children and providing them with quality education.
Through her platform, she creates meaningful opportunities for a brighter future.
Today, David and Melissa Campbell join In Development to discuss their award winning missing middle housing development, T5M Connect. From a sign collecting development suggestions written in sharpie to accessibility decisions and landscaping, David and Melissa share their experience building the first Passive House Certified Multi-family building in Alberta! Environmental leadership was woven through the project from design to construction, and they highlight some of the components that go into a building that uses as little energy as possible. They also discuss the process of re-zoning to DC2, and the huge role that community engagement played in the approval of that change. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation!
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With more than 18 years of experience in the construction industry, David Campbell is highly respected in the Edmonton market. He has built a strong reputation among city officials, consultants, developers, clients, suppliers and trade contractors, who have recognized his knowledge and experience.
David is a highly qualified individual with a strong background in Design, Development and Project Management, particularly in large and small-scale multi-family commercial and residential construction. He holds a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California, a Red Seal Journeyman Certificate, and is also a Passive House Certified Builder.
David’s expertise extends to energy saving techniques, including the Passive House Initiative, and he has worked on a range of projects encompassing both wood-frame and concrete constructions. He has extensive experience in the conversion of commercial projects, as well as new construction of multi-family , commercial, and infill townhome & single-family residential projects, handling them from concept through completion.
Melissa is a collaborator, an optimist, and a believer in the power of the collective. She has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 19 years, a role which has allowed her to hone her skills in connection, effective problem-solving, and enhancing communication. She is passionate about using these skills to build relationships and communication in groups and organizations. She is the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for T5M Connect, a development company that builds multifamily housing that is environmentally sustainable, accessible, and community-oriented.
Melissa recently launched Stop, Collaborate, & Listen, Ltd. a company that provides community engagement and group facilitation support to purpose-driven organizations and companies. Current projects include: community engagement for the Braemar Baptist Church Redevelopment Project, engagement facilitation for Edmonton Regional Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC), and project management for Green Violin/Urban Matters Unconventional Actors in Affordable Housing project.
Melissa holds a Masters of Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta. She has also completed a Certificate in Dialogue & Civic Engagement and a Certificate in Restorative Justice, both from Simon Fraser University. She is an active community member and volunteer and sits on the board of the North Glenora Community League and is the Chair of the board of Edmonton Youth Justice. The greatest challenge and joy of her life has been raising 3 incredible daughters with her husband, David.
The guiding principles of all that Melissa does are collaboration, iteration, and an abundance mindset. She believes that if we work together, we can tap into the brilliance that is all around us and create something greater than the sum of its parts. For more information visit: www.stopcollaborateandlisten.ca
On today’s episode, embark on a riveting journey through the heart of Edmonton's urban transformation with the Zoning Bylaw Renewal Initiative. In this episode, hosts Allison and Lilit are joined by key figures from the City of Edmonton, Darbi Kinnee and Lyla Peter. Together they unravel the city's efforts to create zoning regulations that work for Edmonton, the philosophy guiding the renewal, and the collaborative efforts that engaged diverse stakeholders, including IDEA. Darbi and Lyla delve into the key shifts in the zoning bylaw, the retirement of overlays, the introduction of mixed-use zones, and how the new zoning bylaw allows for more dynamic and equitable city building. Listen now and visit the links below for more information and resources discussed in the episode.
Darbi Kinnee is the Strategist for the Zoning Bylaw Renewal Initiative with the City of Edmonton. She is a proud alumnus of the University of Alberta's School of Urban and Regional Planning and has varied experience in both the private and public sectors. Prior to joining the Zoning Bylaw team, Darbi has honed her skills in heritage preservation, government relations, and the implementation of key strategic planning policies - including the 2018 Infill Roadmap. Fueled by a passion for urban development, Darbi has a keen interest in local planning issues, consistently seeking innovative solutions to shape more vibrant and sustainable communities.
Lyla Peter is the Director of Development Approvals and Inspections at the City of Edmonton. Her team focuses on issuing development permits and licenses, overseeing compliance activities related to zoning bylaw, lot grading, landscaping, and leading on related policies. Her role is interdisciplinary and she often collaborates with City teams like planning and development, infrastructure development, waste, community standards and housing programs. She loves working towards building a more equitable and responsive community and learning from diverse perspectives, and her fascination with community and exploring what makes them function and thrive has led to her living and working in three countries - Canada, United States, and the United Kingdom. Lyla holds a MBA in Urban Regeneration from the University of Liverpool and a BA in Regional and Urban Planning from the University of Saskatchewan. She also sits on the Habitat for Humanity Edmonton Community Advisory Council and has been a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners Planning Student Trust Foundation Jury since 2021.
Episode Resources:
Today's guest on "In Development" is Ranon Soans. In this episode, the group delves into a thought-provoking discussion on district and city planning. "Cities are complex beings that need to live and breathe," so how do we best create plans with the understanding that they will continuously need to be amended? How do we enable what we want to see without restricting what we fear, while also providing certainty to residents and the public interest? What is the optimal balance between assessment and negotiation versus setting things in stone? Ranon also discusses the delicate balance of involving communities in the planning process to gather their perspectives and engagement, all while ensuring an efficient decision-making process to keep things moving forward. Join the conversation and listen now!
Ranon Soans is an urban planning specialist with a rigorous
understanding of planning processes and development in Alberta. Since joining
the team at Clarity Development Advisory in 2019, he has
coordinated a large variety of projects including complex rezoning
applications, public engagement efforts, and larger land use planning
proposals. Ranon’s skillful and knowledgeable proficiency in the industry is
built on diverse experiences in urban research, planning practice, and
involvement in development projects.
Ranon holds a Master’s degree in Human Geography from the
University of Alberta. He continues to be actively involved in academic
research focused on urban revitalization and affordable housing, and regularly
advocates for planning policy changes in Edmonton. Ranon is passionate about
placemaking, urban design, and sustainability transitions, and enjoys using
systematic thinking to better visualize problems and find solutions.
Today’s guest is Nicholas Rheubottom, the Executive Director of IDEA. If you have questions about IDEA or have been interested in getting involved, this is a great episode to tune into! In this episode Nicholas gives a review on the year 2023, including some big wins for IDEA and then outlines the direction of the association for the upcoming year. He also discusses district planning, zoning bylaw, and the Infill Certification Program, along with other initiatives like BE Infill. This episode has everything you need to get up to speed on all things IDEA, and discover ways to get involved next year with an exciting calendar of events coming in 2024!
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With six years of industry experience, Nicholas understands the vital role of infill in addressing economic and environmental challenges being faced by cities today. He values his advocacy work with IDEA and the contributions he's made to educational programming for IDEA's membership and the wider infill community.
Nicholas possesses a unique educational background, holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Regina, a Master of Arts from the University of Alberta, and having pursued doctoral studies at King’s College London during a two-and-a-half-year stint in the UK. Despite his distinct path in the industry, he views his lived experience as an asset to his current work.
Before becoming Executive Director, Nicholas served as Co-Chair of IDEA’s Policy committee, actively engaging in projects such as the Zoning Bylaw Renewal and District Planning initiatives. Additionally, he advocates for Alberta's queer business community as Vice Chair of the Alberta LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.
The podcast currently has 51 episodes available.
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